South Korea trip (Part 1 - Seoul)

12 - 18 Dec '22 and 21 - 22' Dec'22

It has been three years since I last travelled overseas. With the pandemic, it was inevitable for us to stay in Singapore. During this time, there was also an increase in the media coverage of local attractions. As countries realised that reopening was the way going forward, we finally got to travel overseas. Hooray!

My wife and I travelled to South Korea in December. It was intended to be a sightseeing and cultural trip for me as I have never been to South Korea. Of course, there needs to be the element of satisfying our palate with delicious Korean food. I will not be covering all things we did and visited as there would be too much to cover. I will just cover the 'more interesting' bits. Here goes...

Namsan Tower — The Blue House (Bukhansan at the background)

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, was the historical capital of the Joseon Dynasty. Strategically, Seoul was surrounded by mountains to prevent invasions. The famed Namsan (where Seoul Namsan Tower is located) and Bukhansan (behind the Blue House and Royal Palace) are the southern and northern mountains at the periphery of Seoul. Walls were built around the capital to strengthen its defences, making Seoul a fortress-like walled city. Many of these walls remain today and are attractions, which are served by attractive trails.

Section of Seoul City Wall (At Bukhansan)

So, after hiking both mountains in one day which provided a panaromic view and geographical visualisation of Seoul, we visited the various historical and administrative attractions, parks, museums and the shopping and cafe districts on offer in the vibrant city.

hangang — Hangang park (along Han river)

Lightings at Lotte Dept Store, Myeongdong

For the next 6 days, our trip in Seoul was filled with excitement and adventure. To be able to explore unfamiliar places reinvigorates our minds. Along the way, we also got to learn a different culture. The more we travel, the more we realise that we are all not that different. Everyone, be it in South Korea, Singapore or any other country go through their lives just like the rest of us. We commute to work, work hard to make a living, experience challenges and spend time with our loved ones. There are more commonalities than differences among us.

lake — Inside the Gyeongbokgung (Royal Palace)

This is the end of the first part of our trip in Seoul, South Korea. Stay tuned for part 2 of our trip in the port city of Busan.